Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System Offers More Flexibility for More Jobs

New Version Allows Configuration Options to Meet the Needs of More Contractors

SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 22, 2011—Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) today announced the release of Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System version 12.0, allowing more configuration options for heavy and highway contractors involved in earthmoving and excavation. With several new hardware options and features, GCS900 version 12.0 is easier to operate and integrate across the Trimble Connected Site™ portfolio of solutions. Flexible configurations and improved jobsite connectivity allow contractors to streamline workflows and meet tighter project requirements, while staying on deadline and under budget.

The announcement was made today at ConExpo 2011, one of the world's largest international exhibitions for construction and construction materials industries.

New Hardware and Configuration Options

Trimble continues to lead the industry with flexible installation options for more machines on the jobsite which address a variety of contractor's needs. New hardware options and benefits in Trimble GCS900 version 12.0 include:

The new state-of-the-art Trimble CB460 Control Box greatly enhances the operator experience on all GCS900 equipped machine types with more power, more memory, and a large 7-inch screen display of 3D profile information, grade guidance, and warnings. As the premium display in the GCS900 portfolio, it can be configured for operation in 2D or 3D mode based on the requirements of the contractor.

Using the new Trimble SNM940 Connected Site Gateway communications device, Trimble GCS900 version 12.0 fully integrates Connected Site grade control systems with Vision Link™ advanced telematics and asset tracking from Trimble. By connecting people with construction data in real-time, the SNM940 allows contractors to make better informed decisions, optimize asset productivity and reduce operational costs.

The new Trimble HS410 Heading Sensor offers additional flexibility to the excavator operator running Trimble GCS900 in 2D mode for applications such as trenching, digging footers and basements, building roads and site prep on residential, commercial and industrial jobsites. Now the operator can save time and excavate in a wider directional area outside of the bench orientation without stopping to re-bench the laser.

The new Trimble MS972 GNSS Smart Antenna offers a cost-effective solution for compaction contractors who need a highly accurate GNSS receiver for mapping pass counts. It offers the same rugged reliability that operators expect from Trimble on-machine GNSS receivers—at a price point that is easier to deploy across the compactor machine fleet.

New functionality in the GCS900 on-machine software allows data to be wirelessly transferred between the machine and the office in real time. Design updates can be sent to the machine and as-builts, system diagnostics and production data can be sent to the office, without any delay in machine operation.

Enhancements in GCS900 version 12.0 streamline excavator system measure-up and calibration processes. Installation procedures that used to take multiple hours have been simplified and can now be accomplished in typically under an hour. These improvements make installation easier and allow the excavator to get into production quicker.

The Trimble GCS900 Grade Control System version 12.0 is available now through Trimble's worldwide SITECH® Technology Dealer Channel and Heavy and Highway Construction Distribution Channel.

About Trimble's Heavy and Highway Division

Trimble's Heavy and Highway Division is a leading innovator of productivity solutions for the heavy and highway contractor. Trimble's solutions leverage a variety of technologies, including Global Positioning System (GPS), construction lasers, total stations, wireless data communications, the Internet, and application software. As part of the Trimble Connected Site strategy, these solutions provide a high-level of process and workflow integration from the design phase through to the finished project—delivering significant improvements in productivity throughout the construction lifecycle.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location—including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.